Maryland Forest Legacy Program
The Maryland Forest Legacy Program by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources conserves private forests through perpetual easements, protecting ecological value and preventing non-forest development.
Funder: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: Rolling (applications accepted year-round; evaluated annually)
Funding Amounts: Easements purchased at market value; federal share up to 75%, remainder from state/local/other sources or landowner donation.
Summary: Supports the permanent conservation of privately owned forestland in Maryland through the purchase of perpetual conservation easements.
Key Information: Only land within designated Forest Legacy Areas is eligible; at least 75% of the easement area must be forested.
Description
The Maryland Forest Legacy Program, administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), aims to protect privately owned forestland from conversion to non-forest uses. Through the acquisition of perpetual conservation easements, the program ensures that forests remain intact for wildlife habitat, water quality, wood production, and public benefit. Landowners retain ownership but agree to legally binding restrictions that maintain the land's forested character. The program operates as a willing-seller, willing-buyer initiative, with easements purchased at market value using a combination of federal, state, local, and potentially donated funds.
